Russia Introduces New School Textbook Justifying Ukraine Invasion
In a move that has sparked international controversy, Russia has introduced a new school textbook that presents the country’s military actions in Ukraine as a necessary response to Western aggression. The book, titled Military History of Russia, was unveiled in Moscow on Monday and is designed for students aged 15 and above. This textbook draws parallels between Russia’s current conflict with Ukraine and the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazi Germany, framing the 2022 invasion as an act of defense rather than aggression.
The textbook was edited by Vladimir Medinsky, a close aide to President Vladimir Putin and a central figure in early peace negotiations with Ukraine in 2022. Medinsky, who has previously co-authored Russia’s primary history textbook, described the latest publication as an essential tool to instill patriotism and a sense of duty among Russian youth.
According to the book, the Kremlin was “forced” to send troops into Ukraine due to years of ignored security concerns by the West. It emphasizes that NATO’s eastward expansion and the 2014 removal of a Russia-friendly Ukrainian president by what it terms a “Western-backed” movement had turned Ukraine into an “aggressive anti-Russian bridgehead.” These narratives align closely with President Putin’s own rhetoric, which portrays the ongoing war as part of a broader existential battle against a morally decadent West.
The book dedicates a chapter titled Professionalism, Indomitability, and Courage: Russian Troops in the Special Military Operation to justify the military campaign. It outlines instances of battlefield heroism by Russian soldiers and discusses strategies that draw inspiration from Soviet tactics during World War II. This framing positions the Russian army not as an aggressor but as a force committed to protecting national security and sovereignty.
Critics, however, have labeled the textbook as propaganda, designed to indoctrinate students and obscure the realities of a conflict widely condemned as an unprovoked act of aggression. Ukraine and its Western allies have consistently dismissed Russia’s justifications for the war, maintaining that the invasion was a calculated move to expand Russian territory rather than a response to any legitimate security threats. NATO and Ukraine have categorically denied claims that they posed any threat to Russia before the conflict.
At a press conference organized by TASS to promote the textbook, Ivan Basik, a military historian affiliated with the Russian army, reiterated the Kremlin’s narrative. Basik described the war as “inevitable” due to actions taken by Ukraine and the West, emphasizing the need to educate younger generations about the “forced nature” of what Russia officially terms a “Special Military Operation.”
The release of this textbook is part of a broader effort by the Russian government to consolidate public support for its actions in Ukraine. By targeting the education system, the Kremlin aims to shape the perspectives of future generations, ensuring that its version of events remains dominant in Russian society. However, this move has raised significant concerns internationally, with many viewing it as an attempt to rewrite history and manipulate public opinion under the guise of education.
Refrence From: www.ndtv.com